IBM 3590 - Manual (Page 100)

v 3 Leader block latch
v 4 File-protect selector (dependent on supplier)
v 5 File-protect selector (dependent on supplier)
v 6 Cartridge case (black)
v 7 Labels
v 8 Identification notches (blue for High Performance Cartridge Tape and
green for Extended High Performance Cartridge Tape)
Note: The leader block (see item
1 ) is shown unlatched with a length of
tape (see item
2 ) which extends from the cartridge. This is for
illustration purposes only. Do not unlatch the leader block from the
cartridge.
The drive mechanism unlatches the tape leader block when a cartridge is
inserted into a tape drive. It then pulls the tape leader out of the cartridge,
and threads the tape onto a non-removable machine reel in the drive for
automatic load.
Each data cartridge includes a file-protect selector which, when set, prevents
data from being written on or erased from the tape by a tape device.
In tape libraries, the library vision system identifies the types of cartridges
during an inventory operation. The vision system reads a volume serial
number (VOLSER) label on the edge of the cartridge. The VOLSER is a
bar-code label that contains from one to six characters. It has blanks padded
on the right for a VOLSER with fewer than six characters. The media type is
indicated with an appended seventh character. See Table 29.
Table 29. Media Types
Type Seventh Character
3590 Extended High Performance Cartridge Tape K
3590 High Performance Cartridge Tape J
3490E Enhanced Capacity Cartridge System Tape E
Standard 3480 Cartridge System Tape 1
Note: Use of a label without the seventh character J or K is recommended for Model C12 and
C14 (refer to IBM TotalStorage Silo Compatible Tape Frame 3590 Introduction, Planning, and User’s
Guide for more information). Characters can be uppercase A–Z and numerics 0–9.
Place the VOLSER label entirely within the label recess on the cartridge. It
must be flat to within 0.5 mm (0.02 in.) over the length of the label and have
no folds, missing pieces, tears, or any extraneous markings. Failure to follow
these placement requirements will result in degraded readability.
80 3590 Operator Guide